Stress poses a significant challenge to teachers. Drawing on extensive work with PreK-12 educators, this book provides a practical framework for improving coping and problem-solving skills. Specific strategies help teachers reduce stress and improve their overall well-being and effectiveness. Each chapter offers efficient tools for individuals, as well as group exercises. Teachers’ stories are woven throughout. In a large-size format with lay-flat binding for easy photocopying, the book includes 45 self-monitoring forms, worksheets, and other handouts. Purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials. Reviews: “Teachers are besieged by criticism from the press and politicians, and by pressure from parents and principals. In addition, they have to make scores of instantaneous decisions hour-by-hour, and day-after-day. That is where this book comes in. It illustrates how teachers can take care of themselves and thrive under stressful, and often unsupportive conditions. Written by two brilliant, knowledgeable, and calm educators, this book is a must for every teacher who wants to be at the top of their game. A teacher’s career depends upon confidence and an ability to manage pressure, and they owe no less to their students and themselves.” —Randy Sprick, PhD, Director, Safe and Civil Schools “This well-written, organized, and compelling book offers practical strategies to address the troubling phenomenon of teacher stress. Combining clinical insight, current research, and their extensive work with teachers, Herman and Reinke’s unique approach focuses on building teacher resilience. The book is an exceptionally valuable resource for school psychologists, consultants, counselors, and administrators who support teachers. It would also make an excellent text for education students as part of their field experience and teaching internship program.” —Lori Newcomer, PhD, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri “Stress Management for Teachers taught me how to turn those sometimes-negative thoughts into positive ones. Learning to be aware of my thoughts and feelings throughout the day, and changing what goes into my body, have both had a vital impact on my mood and perceptions of myself. This book helped me create a positive cycle in my life that has not only improved my attitude toward teaching, but also has made me feel more successful in my personal life.” —K. Gilchrist, MEd, NBCT, third-grade teacher, McCurdy Elementary School, Florissant, Missouri Contents: I. Overview of Stress and Coping 1. Background and Rationale 2 Stress: The Good, the Bad, and the Lion 3. The Teacher Coping Model II. Coping Strategies 4. Awareness 5. Adaptive Thinking I: The positive/Negative Thoughts Method 6. Adaptive Thinking II: The ABC Method 7. Adaptive Behaviors 8. Competence and Self-Efficacy 9. Beyond Survival: Getting to Good III. Applications and Extensions 10. Specific Applications 11. Coping with Serious Symptoms 12. For School Administrators and Other School Professionals 13. Setting Up a TCM Group 14. Your Personal Development Plan and Broader Systems Change References Index About the Authors: Keith C. Herman, PhD, is Professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri and Co-Director of the Missouri Prevention Center. Much of his work focuses on working with teachers and families to promote effective environments for children. He presents nationally and has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and chapters and four books on effective practices in schools. Wendy M. Reinke, PhD, is Associate Professor in School Psychology at the University of Missouri and Co-Director of the Missouri Prevention Center. She received the Lightner Witmer Early Career Scholar Award from Division 16 of the American Psychological Association. She developed the Classroom Check-up, an assessment based classwide teacher consultation model. Her research focuses on the prevention of disruptive behavior problems in children and increasing school-based implementation of evidence-based practices. Dr. Reinke presents nationally, has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, and has coauthored four books on teacher consultation and effective practices in school. |